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View synonyms for

define

[ dih-fahyn ]

verb (used with object)

defined, defining.
  1. to state or set forth the meaning of (a word, phrase, etc.):

    They disagreed on how to define “liberal.”

  2. to explain or identify the nature or essential qualities of; describe:

    to define judicial functions.

  3. to fix or lay down clearly and definitely; specify distinctly:

    to define one's responsibilities.

    Synonyms: , , , ,

  4. to determine or fix the boundaries or extent of:

    to define property with stakes.

  5. to make clear the outline or form of:

    The roof was boldly defined against the sky.



verb (used without object)

defined, defining.
  1. to set forth the meaning of a word, phrase, etc.; construct a definition.

define

/ ɪˈڲɪ /

verb

  1. to state precisely the meaning of (words, terms, etc)
  2. to describe the nature, properties, or essential qualities of
  3. to determine the boundary or extent of
  4. often passive to delineate the form or outline of

    the shape of the tree was clearly defined by the light behind it

  5. to fix with precision; specify
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈھԲ, adverb
  • ˈھԲ, adjective
  • ˈھԱ, noun
  • ˌھԲˈٲ, noun
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Other Word Forms

  • ·ھa· adjective
  • ·ھa·i·ٲ noun
  • ·ھa· adverb
  • ·ھԱmԳ noun
  • ·ھİ noun
  • d·ھԱ verb (used with object) misdefined misdefining
  • non·ھa·i·ٲ noun
  • non·ھa· adjective
  • non·ھa· adverb
  • ԴDzd·ھԱ adjective
  • non·ھİ noun
  • d·ھԱ verb (used with object) predefined predefining
  • d·ھԱ verb (used with object) redefined redefining
  • -·ھԱ adjective
  • i··ھԱ adjective
  • un·ھa· adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of define1

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English def(f)inen, from Anglo-French, Old French definer “to put an end to,” from Latin ŧīī ”to limit, define,“ equivalent to ŧ- “from, away from, out of” + īī “to end”; de-, finish
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Word History and Origins

Origin of define1

C14: from Old French definer to determine, from Latin ŧīī to set bounds to, from īī to finish
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

To Young, owning one signals the steadfast dedication that defines the club, as well as a deep respect for the legacy of these cars.

From

“Trump is asserting a particular theory about executive power, but that’s really all he has,” Ekbladh said, “and that has defined his first hundred days — disrupt, break, defund.”

From

The final decision was taken after the recent Supreme Court ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.

From

Chapman – the committee's deputy convener – accused the court of "bigotry, prejudice and hatred" after it ruled a woman is defined by her biological sex under the Equality Act.

From

Two weeks ago, judges at the Supreme Court unanimously ruled a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.

From

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